News

The Real Deal

Partnership to spend $6.5 million on rehabilitating Liberty City apartments

By Sean Stewart-Muniz

In an effort to curb Miami’s homeless population, developer Carrfour Supportive Housing has announced a $6.5 million renovation plan in Liberty City.

Carrfour plans to begin renovations of 34 rental units at 1255 Northwest 58th Street next month with a projected completion date of December. The two-building complex was built in 1959 and is currently vacant.

The project is meant to be a pilot program by Carrfour and its partners Camillus House and the Citrus Health Network, according to the announcement. Because homeless persons typically end up in costly public systems like jails, hospitals or rehab as a result of their predicament, the partnership hopes to study how affordable housing can alleviate that burden from taxpayers.

Funding for the project is coming from the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, a state-run agency that provides money for affordable housing developments. The project will also be studied by the University of South Florida.

Dubbed Coalition Lift, its 34 units will all be reserved for people who make 33 percent less than the area’s median income. That equates to less than $14,250 per year for a single person, the announcement said.

Carrfour has a 20-year track record of developing affordable housing, with 17 communities and 1,300 units under its belt. For this project, the nonprofit will act as the lead developer, while Camillus House and Citrus Health Network will provide services to the residents.

County records show Carrfour paid $895,000 for the property in August 2015. — Sean Stewart-Muniz